Decomposition Of Aquatic Macrophytes Research Articles

Carbon cycling potential from Utricularia breviscapa decomposition in a tropical oxbow lake (São Paulo, Brazil)

The rate of decomposition of aquatic macrophytes is controlled by environmental factors such as temperature and oxygen availability. Laboratory assays were carried out to evaluate the decomposition rates of Utricularia breviscapa under controlled conditions of dissolved oxygen and temperature. Measured decomposition rates were then used in model simulations of expected decomposition rates using field collected monthly temperature and dissolved oxygen measures. The incubations were comprised of U. breviscapa detritus added to Óleo Lagoon water under aerobic and anaerobic conditions at 15.3 °C, 20.8 °C, 25.7 °C and 30.3 °C in the dark. Mass loss and leachate formation were monitored over 180 days. Overall, the decomposition process was faster under aerobic than anaerobic conditions and by increasing at higher temperature. Considering the seasonal changes of temperature and oxygen availability of Óleo Lagoon, the simulated values of mineralization rates of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and refractory particulate organic carbon (POC R) suggest faster carbon cycling in November. Based on these simulations, in the cold months (June and July) the DOC and COP R mineralization processes were 22% and 25% lower than in the warmer months (October and November), respectively. On average, the DOC mineralization process was 3.7 times faster than POC R.

CONTRIBUIÇÃO DA DECOMPOSIÇÃO DE MACRÓFITAS AQUÁTICAS (Eichhornia azurea) NA MATÉRIA ORGÂNICA DISSOLVIDA

CONTRIBUTION TO DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER BY DECOMPOSITION OF AQUATIC MACROPHYTES, Eichhornia azurea. Organic matter plays a fundamental role in many ecological processes and decomposition is among the main cycling routes of organic matter. The decomposition of aquatic macrophytes generates much debris, since the carbon of these algae is not easily assimilated by other organisms. Spectroscopic analyses are important in organic matter studies, because it enables satisfactory distinction between labile and refractory materials can be obtained. Through comparing the fl uorescence spectrum of the organic debris generated by a decomposing macrophyte with those of water, sediment, and soil samples from the Upper Parana River fl oodplain water bodies, we were able to estimate the contribution of decomposition to local carbon cycles. The results revealed a higher contribution of decomposition to the oligotrophic environments connected with the Parana River, while some water bodies connected with the rivers Ivinheima and Baia showed a greater participation of allochthonous organic matter, mainly derived from humus.

THE RELEASE PATHWAYS OF CARBON FROM DETRITUS OF AQUATIC MACROPHYTES

THE RELEASE PATHWAYS OF CARBON FROM DETRITUS OF AQUATIC MACROPHYTES. Herein, processes linked to the release of the carbon (e.g. CO2, CH4, DOC) from decomposition of aquatic macrophytes are discussed. A brief compilation of other studies was made to verify the variation of carbon contents in the plant tissues, and carbon mineralization processes were discussed in face of the conditioning factors that usually operate at continental aquatic systems (e.g. temperature, availability of dissolved oxygen). A kinetic model was proposed to describe and compare the rate of mineralization of released detritus. The mineralization generally follows three different pathways, each one involving different amounts of carbon. The predominant pathway – oxidation of particulate refractory organic compounds, like fi bers – is the slowest pathway, with a mean half-time of 88 days. The mineralization of soluble and labile organic compounds seem to involve less carbon (ca. 29.7%), and takes place faster.

Cellulase activities during decomposition of a submerged aquatic macrophyte (Utricularia breviscapa): a microcosm assay

Decomposition of lignocellulosic detritus at enzymatic level is the rate-limiting step during aquatic macrophyte decomposition. Assays were carried out to evaluate cellulase activity during decomposition of Utricularia breviscapa; the assays included the following C-sources: leachate, lignocellulosic matrix and integral detritus. The incubations comprised U. breviscapa C-sources added to Oleo lagoon (21o 36'S and 47o 49'W) water maintained in the dark under anaerobic condition at 15oC, 20oC, 25oC and 30oC. Cellulase activity were monitored during 180 days, with the activity showing a time evolution that depended on the temperature and type of detritus: (i) cellulase activity tended to occur earlier with increasing temperatures, but it was less intense than at lower temperatures, (ii) no activity was observed in incubations with leachate, (iii) cellulase activity was observed in the incubation with integral detritus and lignocellulosic matrix and (iv) higher cellulase activity was observed in the incubations with integral detritus at 15oC (P < 0.05).

Estudo da decomposição de plantas aquáticas em função das quantidades depositadas, da umidade e do tipo de disposição no solo

Um estudo foi realizado com a finalidade de avaliar a decomposição da biomassa de plantas aquáticas, incorporadas ou não ao solo, provenientes do controle mecânico, no reservatório da UHE Americana. O ensaio foi realizado em casa de vegetação, localizada no Núcleo de Pesquisas Avançadas em Matologia (NUPAM) da FCA/Unesp-Botucatu. A avaliação foi conduzida em vasos contendo 14 kg de solo, simulando descartes de 50, 100, 150 e 200 t MF de plantas ha-1 e avaliando o processo de decomposição através da liberação de CO2, divididos em duas etapas: a primeira em solo seco e, a segunda, na seqüência, com o solo úmido. A quantificação do CO2 liberado foi realizada através de titulação de solução adicionada ao processo de incubação de 24 horas dos vasos. Os dados foram interpolados e analisados seguindo modelo de Mitscherlich, com algumas modificações. Na primeira etapa, foi observada uma rápida liberação de CO2 até o décimo dia, seguida de estabilização. O maior teor de CO2 liberado foi observado no tratamento com descarte de 200 t MF ha-1 incorporado ao solo. Os dados avaliados durante a segunda fase do ensaio representaram uma maior linearidade no processo de liberação de CO2, indicando um período mais longo do processo de degradação da biomassa descartada.

Effects of temperature on decomposition of a potential nuisance species: the submerged aquatic macrophyte Egeria najas planchom (Hydrocharitaceae)

Decomposition of aquatic plants is influenced by several biotic and abiotic factors. Among them, temperature plays an important role. Despite the increasing number of studies describing the effects of temperature on the decomposition of aquatic macrophytes, little attention has been given to the decay of submerged macrophytes. In this paper, we assessed the effect of temperature on weight loss and chemical composition of detritus of the submerged aquatic macrophyte Egeria najas Planchon (Hydrocharitaceae). Fresh plant material was maintained at 17 degrees C and 27 degrees C, in the dark, in incubation chambers. The overall decay process was best described by a linear model, with rates of 0.014 day(-1) (R2= 94%) and 0.045 day(-1) (R2= 96%) obtained at 17 degrees C and 27 degrees C, respectively. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated a significant difference between the decomposition rates at the two temperatures. The rapid breakdown of E. najas detritus, indicated by the decay coefficient, may be explained by its low content of resistant compounds such as cellulose and lignin. The variables analyzed in this study (pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen in the water and organic matter, total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentration in detritus) showed accentuated responses at 27 degrees C. It is likely that the higher temperature increased microbial activity and, therefore, oxygen consumption in the water, consequently affecting the pH and the rate of ion and nutrient liberation into the aquatic ecosystem. Due to the rapid decomposition of E. najas at high temperatures, a small exportation is expected of this species from its stands to distant regions in tropical reservoirs, where it is considered a potential nuisance species.

Decomposition dynamics of aquatic macrophytes in the lower Atchafalaya, a large floodplain river

Decomposition of aquatic macrophytes can considerably influence carbon cycling and energy flow in shallow freshwater aquatic ecosystems. The Atchafalaya River Basin (ARB) is a large floodplain river in southern Louisiana that experiences a seasonal floodpulse and is spatially composed of a mosaic of turbid riverine and stagnant backwater areas. During two seasons, winter and fall of 1995, we examined decomposition of four common aquatic macrophytes in the ARB: water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), arrowhead (Sagittaria platyphylla), coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum) and hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). To determine decay rates, we used litter bags of two mesh sizes (5 mm and 0.25 mm) and analyzed data with a single exponential decay model. Analysis of decay rates established several trends for aquatic macrophyte decomposition in the ARB. First, macrophytes decayed faster in fall than winter due to the effect of increased temperature. Second, macroinvertebrates were the primary decomposers of macrophytes in riverine sites and microbes were the primary decomposers in backwater areas. These trends may have been related to decomposer-habitat interactions, with well-oxygenated riverine sites more hospitable to invertebrates and backwater areas more favorable to microbes because of high organic inputs and reduced flow. Decay rates for macrophytes, ranked from slowest to fastest, were E. crassipes<S. platyphylla<C. demersum<H. verticillata. Slower decomposition of E. crassipes was probably a result of microbial inhibition by the waxy-cutin outer layer and low nutritional value. The accelerated decomposition of C. demersum and H. verticillata was most likely a function of the large surface area of the highly dissected leaves. Macroinvertebrate numbers were twice as high in riverine sites compared to backwater sites. In the winter, amphipods Gammarus spp. and Hyallela azteca composed a large percentage of the total density on detritus. In the fall, Caenis sp. was prevalent in the backwater habitat and dipterans were abundant in the riverine site. We investigated the microbial component involved in the decomposition of E. crassipes and S. platyphylla and found that the highest microbial respiration rates occurred early in the winter at the backwater site. Bacterial density in the winter on E. crassipes and S. platyphylla averaged 1.4×106 cm-2 after two days and decreased to 2.0×105 cm-2 after 28 d. Our results emphasized the importance of the microbial community in the decomposition of macrophytes in the ARB, especially in backwater habitats and in the early stages of decay.

Yeast diversity in a mesotrophic lake on the karstic plateau of Lagoa Santa, MG-Brazil

The yeast diversity in a paleo-karstic lake of the Lagoa Santa plateau was studied during March 1986–March 1987. Water samples were collected monthly at five stations and the yeasts were isolated at 25 °C on Sabourad dextrose agar supplemented with 0.5% of yeast extract and 10 mg% of chloramphenicol. August and February showed the highest numbers of isolates, coinciding, respectively with the beginning and the ending of stratification. Of 56 isolated species, Aureobasidium pullulans, Candida famata, Cryptococcus albidus, Cryptococcus laurentii, Rhodotorula glutinis, Rhodotorula rubra and Trichosporon cutaneum occurred at the highest frequencies. A. pullulans showed greatest prevalence during the dry period (winter), whereas C. famata, Cr. albidus, Cr. laurentii and Rh. rubra were prevalent during the rainy season (summer). Tr. cutaneum was distributed between July and November. Most isolates yeasts are associated with plants and soils, and are important in decomposition of aquatic macrophytes. Furthermore, a possible role of these species as indicators of pollution is discussed.

Production and decomposition of aquatic macrophytes in the River Garonne

Production and decomposition of aquatic macrophytes in the River Garonne

Influence of Macrophyte Decomposition on Growth Rate and Community Structure of Okefenokee Swamp Bacterioplankton

Dissolved substances released during decomposition of the white water lily (Nymphaea odorata) can alter the growth rate of Okefenokee Swamp bacterioplankton. In microcosm experiments dissolved compounds released from senescent Nymphaea leaves caused a transient reduction in the abundance and activity of water column bacterioplankton, followed by a period of intense bacterial growth. Rates of [H]thymidine incorporation and turnover of dissolved d-glucose were depressed by over 85%, 3 h after the addition of Nymphaea leachates to microcosms containing Okefenokee Swamp water. Bacterial activity subsequently recovered; after 20 h [H]thymidine incorporation in leachate-treated microcosms was 10-fold greater than that in control microcosms. The recovery of activity was due to a shift in the composition of the bacterial population toward resistance to the inhibitory compounds present in Nymphaea leachates. Inhibitory compounds released during the decomposition of aquatic macrophytes thus act as selective agents which alter the community structure of the bacterial population with respect to leachate resistance. Soluble compounds derived from macrophyte decomposition influence the rate of bacterial secondary production and the availability of microbial biomass to microconsumers.